Snakes eyed in suspicious death

(NBC) -- The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries removed dozens of snakes from a Chesterfield home where a man was found dead Monday.

Police are continuing their investigation into what they're classifying a suspicious death.

Family members identified the victim as Jack Redmond and say he was battling cancer.

However, officials also say he did appear to have a snake bite on his finger.

Redmond's wife called police at 3:30 p.m. Monday after she found her 70-year-old husband dead.

When police arrived they found 40 snakes inside, including 24 they consider venomous.

"The animals were well maintained. Everything was locked and secure," said J.D. Kloepfer with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Police aren't saying if they believe the snake bite led to Redmond's death.

The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Family members posted a written statement saying:

"Jack was a loving and wonderful husband and amazing friend to so many people. He loved old cars, travel, art, languages, and all of nature. He cared greatly about the environment. He was bravely fighting cancer, but found reasons to laugh and make us all laugh every day."

Owning poisonous snakes is unlawful in Chesterfield under a county ordinance.